The Mountain Man

He wasn't always "The Mountain Man". Before that, he was an orphan, a liar, a lost cause, a rebel, a thief; and not long after his hands wrapped around the fine-grade wood of his stolen revolver's grip, a murderer…

At first the killing came as a shock. Sometimes the pleading, bargaining and begging, echoed in his head for days. But eventually, they would stop, drowned in another chorus of whiskey and "one more" hand of cards.

But men can change and this man would, because he was given a second-chance in life, a fresh start and in new country. And this country, he could never put its beauty to words; he would try…

Golden prairie-grass, dancing in the wind.

Forests so lush with life and song, never failing to lift his spirits.

Rivers so clean and bountiful with energy, each day strengthening his body and mind.

And then there was The Mountain. Towering above it all, capped in snow – an Angelic Crown. He knew he was close, he would find peace there. Only needed more time to prepare…

And prepare he did.

Where once there were only lies, suddenly came truths. Greed turned into generosity. Wasting, replaced with care. And the revolver…it did stare long at him through that fateful night, but from this darkness he would wake. And as the light poured through his aging eyes, the Sun would bring the day to start. And to-day, he was going to The Mountain…

He traveled light because he didn't plan to stay long. Neatly he stowed his pelts and effects, appreciating the morning glow in his "Barbie's" mane; not just a horse, but his closest companion…

And he rode UP those trails winding towards the Heavens…And he SANG those songs with the fauna and flora…and his heart LEAPT with joy because to-day he was going to The Mountain!

…But The Mountain cast its shadow, questioning him…

…and he had found his answer and gripped the reins, nudging his horse on; and as if stepping through an invisible curtain, it hit him fair and square…the cold.

He turned his head to face shadow's edge, the bright Sun smiling back, but he could not feel its warmth anymore. Yet still, he pressed on.

The singing turned to crowing and the green turned to white. Silence laid-heavy about him, broken only by horse's stride. And when the mare could go no further, he was thankful for her time. Unsaddled and reins removed, she was free to roam.

This was his moment, "The Mountain Man's" day, nothing could stop him now.

And he walked so much that he had to climb, and with each new height he found more atonement. Onward and upwards he would go, until he found The Ledge above him; close – he was so close…

He gripped tight into earth and rock, steadying his breath. His strength was waning but he came prepared, and with a final exertion – he pulled with all his might and lifted himself UP OVER The Ledge!

Immediately he collapsed and the laughter overtook him. He could not bring himself to open his eyes, he coughed and wheezed, he fought back the tears. He had conquered The Mountain! He sat back against his heels and wiped away the last few smiles and opened his eyes…

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